Hankook Tire has introduced the Laufenn X FIT AT2, a new addition to its all-terrain tyre lineup aimed at drivers who require durability and adaptability without compromising on everyday driving comfort. Positioned as an affordable option, this tyre is engineered to handle a mix of on-road and off-road conditions while delivering long-lasting value.

Building upon the foundation of its predecessor, the X FIT AT2 brings several performance upgrades. It features enhanced traction across varied landscapes, a 15 percent improvement in tread longevity and reliable handling in different weather conditions. The tyre is designed to fit a broad spectrum of light trucks and SUVs, with availability ranging from 15 to 22 inches to accommodate popular vehicle models in the market.

This launch reflects Laufenn’s ongoing strategy to diversify its offerings as it strengthens its presence in over 100 countries. Since its introduction in Europe, the brand has consistently expanded its range for both passenger vehicles and commercial applications, responding to shifting consumer needs. The X FIT AT2 reinforces this direction by providing a balance of rugged capability and composed road manners for those who frequently transition between highways and rougher terrain.

Engineered for resilience, the tyre incorporates a reinforced structure, including select sizes with three-ply sidewalls to resist cuts and impacts. Its tread design features directional and lateral grooves that enhance water dispersion and grip on slippery or loose surfaces. Additional protective elements such as offset shoulder blocks and rim guards help shield against debris and curb damage. A two-step deep sipe pattern promotes uniform wear, contributing to extended usability.

Certified with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, the X FIT AT2 offers dependable performance in dry, wet and snowy winter conditions. It comes with warranty coverage tailored to its sizing, offering 60,000 miles for P-metric versions and 50,000 miles for LT-metric options. With this release, Laufenn continues to round out its portfolio alongside existing lines such as the S FIT, G FIT and I FIT series.

KC Jensen, Vice President – U.S. Passenger Car and Light Truck Sales, Hankook Tire America Corp, said, “The X FIT AT2 represents the next step forward for the Laufenn brand as we continue to deliver practical, dependable solutions for everyday drivers who also want the freedom to explore off-road. Building on the success of the original X FIT AT, this second-generation tyre offers a stronger blend of durability, versatility and everyday comfort at an accessible value.”

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Triangle Tyre was honoured with the ‘2026 Green Development Model Enterprise Award’ at the 5th International Green Zero-Carbon Festival & ESG Leadership Summit in Shanghai on 29 July. The accolade recognises the manufacturer's sustained environmental commitment, operational sustainability framework and mature governance capabilities, aligned with the summit's theme of advancing green development.

The summit convened hundreds of leading enterprises for discussions on zero-carbon factories, low-carbon transitions, ESG deployment and circular economies. The award evaluates performance across strategic planning, technological innovation, clean energy adoption, supply chain management and social responsibility.

Triangle Tyre has integrated carbon neutrality into corporate strategy, establishing emission reduction targets for 2030 and a roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2050. The company holds energy efficiency ‘Leader’ status from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and national ‘Green Factory’ recognition. Manufacturing initiatives have reduced carbon intensity per product unit, while a biomass boiler retrofit increased renewable energy share.

In R&D, the company expands sustainable materials like recycled rubber and bio-based feedstocks. Supply chain efforts include green supplier evaluations, raw material traceability and a ‘zero deforestation’ pledge, with ESG metrics integrated into supplier management. The company also supports occupational health systems and public welfare initiatives. This award reflects Triangle Tyre's enduring sustainability commitment and plans to deepen ESG implementation for industry-wide green transformation.

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Maxion has released its inaugural global Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), marking a unified evaluation of environmental performance across its major product categories and two dozen manufacturing sites worldwide. This comprehensive study shifts the company from fragmented individual assessments to a cohesive global framework that covers both aluminium and steel wheel production.

The assessment, adhering to ISO standards and the Environmental Footprint 3.1 methodology, analysed 16 impact categories based on 2024 operational data. A substantial reliance on primary information from essential production phases has bolstered the study's credibility and precision. The results emphasise that raw materials, especially aluminium and steel, are the primary drivers of the product carbon footprint, pointing to material sourcing and supplier collaboration as crucial areas for future mitigation strategies.

By establishing this consistent global benchmark, Maxion enhances transparency and facilitates more informed customer discussions. The standardised data not only improves comparability across its wheel portfolio but also aids in pinpointing new opportunities for environmental reduction, supporting the sustainability requirements of clients and stakeholders alike.

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has marked two decades of collaboration between its Vredestein brand and the Ennstal-Classic, following the conclusion of the 2026 edition of the prestigious European historic rally. The event, held from 22 to 25 July, reinforced a partnership that has endured since the brand’s acquisition by Apollo in 2009.

This year’s rally featured nearly 200 historic vehicles traversing a 1,000-kilometre Alpine route, attracting motoring enthusiasts from across the continent. A central feature of the ongoing affiliation is the Vredestein Youngster Trophy, a category designed to foster interest in classic cars among younger participants.

Beyond event sponsorship, Apollo Tyres continues to expand its Vredestein Classic tyre portfolio, introducing new sizes and advanced materials for contemporary safety and performance. The comprehensive range, including Sprint Classic, Sprint+, Grip Classic, Snow Classic, Transport Classic and Quatrac Classic, offers period-correct styling for a wide array of vintage passenger cars, sports cars, commercial vehicles and 4x4s.

Udyan Ghai, Group Head – Marketing, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “This event brings together some of Europe’s finest historic vehicles and gives us the opportunity to share our passion for automotive heritage. Through our support of the Vredestein Youngster Trophy and continued investment in our Classic tyre range, we are helping enthusiasts enjoy their classic vehicles safely in all conditions.”

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Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company reported lower second-quarter 2026 sales and earnings as weaker tyre volumes, higher tariffs and inflation weighed on performance, although the company said market conditions showed signs of stabilising and original equipment (OE) market share improved across all regions.

Net sales fell 4.8 percent year on year to USD 4.3 billion, while tyre unit volume declined 4.0 percent to 36.5 million units. On an organic basis, sales were down 1.4 percent, primarily due to lower volumes. The company said the decline improved from the 12 percent year-on-year volume drop recorded in the first quarter as destocking pressures eased.

Goodyear reported a net loss of USD 204m, compared with net income of USD 254 million, in the same period last year. Adjusted net loss widened to USD 177 million, from USD 48 million a year earlier.

Segment operating income declined to USD 36 million from USD 159 million in the second quarter of 2025. Excluding the impact of divestments, operating income fell by USD 79 million, reflecting lower volumes, higher tariffs and other costs, and inflation. These factors were partly offset by favourable price and product mix relative to raw material costs, together with USD 95 million of benefits from the company's Goodyear Forward programme.

"We delivered second quarter results in line with our expectations, reflecting continued improvement in Asia Pacific and EMEA," said Mark Stewart, Chief Executive Officer and President.

"We're taking actions to improve performance in a competitive environment by strengthening our product lineup, building on original equipment growth across regions, and optimising our manufacturing footprint. These actions are designed to strengthen our competitive position and deliver stronger profitability over time."

In the Americas, second-quarter sales declined 10.5 percent to USD 2.4 billion, while tyre unit volume fell 8.7 percent. Replacement volumes dropped 13.0 percent, although OE volumes increased 8.7 percent as the company gained market share. The Americas business reported a segment operating loss of USD 10 million, compared with operating income of USD 141 million a year earlier.

The company said its planned closure of the Fayetteville, North Carolina facility is expected to improve Americas segment operating income by about USD 90 million in 2027 and approximately USD 270 million annually from 2028 as part of its manufacturing footprint optimisation strategy.

In Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), sales increased 2.1 percent to USD 1.4 billion, supported by favourable pricing, product mix and currency, despite lower tyre volumes. Segment operating loss improved to USD 17 million from USD 25 million in the previous year.

The Asia Pacific business delivered the strongest regional performance, with sales rising 8.1 percent to USD 496 million and tyre unit volume increasing 5.3 percent. Segment operating income rose to USD 63 million, up from USD 43 million a year earlier, supported by stronger demand, favourable price and mix, and benefits from the Goodyear Forward programme.

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